For individuals in transition between jobs, this is the time to practice your virtual interview skills. Here are some helpful tips for a successful virtual interview. First, prepare an introduction (approximately one minute long). Next, prepare yourself to answer the following questions:

• Why are you the right fit for the organization? What about your attributes and experiences makes you the best candidate for the role?
• What is a succinct example that illustrates you have the qualities needed to make a difference and contribute towards the organization’s success?

Record yourself three times. Then watch your recordings and pick the best one to send to colleagues for review. Pinterest and Instagram are wonderful resources to find information as to what to wear and what to say.

These guidelines will help prepare you for a virtual interview or a phone interview. Just like preparing for an in-person interview, you need to think ahead. In these times, you also need to consider your virtual presence

I started my consulting and coaching practice after being a successful salesperson working in an office environment. To stay positive, I read an inspiration quote the first thing every morning. This helped keep me motivated by having an upbeat attitude. Every evening, I made a list of goals and set them out for the next day. To me, it was important to take time out of the office by having lunch with a friend or client once a week. Now, in these times with restrictions due to the coronavirus, I take two walks a day and have a lunch break. I find these practices especially helpful during these unsettling times.

How does one get better at a skill? Is it meeting new people? Discovering how best to feel good about oneself? Or simply learning? Doing something new that brings a fresh element in view is the impetus for growth and change. I will always remember Wayne Dwyer’s talk about growing and expanding our circle. This can mean going to a new restaurant, trying something new at a favorite restaurant, or going to an event where no one knows you. This brings me to my first effort as a new golfer. At first, golfing with new people, especially good golfers, terrified me. Being brand new to golf, I dreaded playing in front of other people and I lacked confidence. For one year, I played at different golf courses where golfers didn’t know me. When I didn’t have the time to play on the course, the driving range became my best friend. Whether trying something new or strengthening a skill, finding a way to practice in a space where no one knows you can be helpful.

Wardrobe choices can define a person. The choices often display a level of positive attitude that says I belong and have a seat at the table. Clothing choices should somewhat mirror those around the table. However, they can also say a lot about your personal style. These individuals wear their clothing with confidence – especially when a word is not spoken. Their presence speaks. The fit of the shoulders, the sleeve length, the color choices, and the item selection show that the individual is not a carbon copy of someone else. Wardrobe choices can help an individual create a presence when they walk into the room. They are authentic.

The coming of another year often finds people making resolutions. Eating healthier. Exercising. Getting more sleep. Many of us have a hard time sticking to our resolutions. A few weeks into the new year, we’ve already broken a resolution or two. Here’s a resolution that’s simpler to keep though – revamping your wardrobe. And the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to start. One way to begin is by getting some clothing racks (the Container Store often has them on sale). Bring all your wardrobe pieces together. (Marie Kondo suggests doing this part by piling all of your clothes on your bed) Next, organize your clothes first by style and then by color. Inspect each piece of clothing for wear and tear. Start making piles. One of the piles is for clothes to take to the cleaner. Another one of the piles is to donate. You may need to make difficult choices. Consider, as Marie Kondo would say, whether the item of clothing brings you joy. Ask yourself whether it sends the appropriate message for your work or lifestyle. Don’t forget to consider, even more importantly, whether the item fits. A goal of your wardrobe revamp is creating a first go around of pieces for a week’s wearing. Bring in a consultant or a close friend to help if needed.

There’s an old saying that “silence speaks volumes.” It’s true in a way. Silence, in response to a question, sends two messages – either the unknown for the viewer or a lack of confidence or unprepared speaker. Silence can also in show power and intimidation in certain situations. Silence and facial expressions will send a message about the speaker’s confidence or lack of confidence. Being prepared, by doing a few exercises, before going into a meeting will help prevent silence when asked a question. I remember watching an interview with a former television anchor. The anchor stated he went through a series of voice exercises by talking out loud and quoting a few tongue twisters before the program started.

Changing business climates causes tremendous movement in organizations. Some business are merging, some are reducing their number of employees, others are being sold to another group. It is critically important in these times to have and to develop personal capital. Personal/Professional capital has many elements. The most important factor is who knows you. Who can be one of your champions? Champions are individuals who will recommend you as a go-to person for high-profile projects, help you grow as professional, and help you succeed in view of the decision makers. Personal capital also increases when you volunteer for projects and your input and assistance results in success.

Honesty is the best policy—at the right time. Being honest at the wrong time usually leads to friction and hurt feelings. Working with people who feel honesty is the best policy – even in the middle of difficult situations – I have witnessed that it has not always helped their careers. Instead, most often being honest at the wrong time has hurt their chances of upward movement.

The individuals who consistently are well liked and respected are the ones who always greet those around them with a smile. Recently, I attended a family function with a combination of two different families. Members of the families did not know each other. One of the couples arrived and did not say hello because they were in the midst of a disagreement with a member of the other family. What does that say about the first impression they made on people they did not know—or even on people who knew them well? It took the group nearly two days to warm up to each other. If the couple had walked in, said hello, and stopped for a few minutes to chat, everyone may have warmed up more quickly and been more comfortable.

Arriving on time or early to a commitment you’ve made is a key element of being a true professional. Recently, an organization I was working with told me that one of their major complaints was about people who were always late—whether to work, meetings, or interviews. Some people think that being late indicates they have high demands on their time (which may be true). However, it shows a lack of respect for the individuals they keep waiting and the time those individuals are wasting while waiting. Being late discounts a person’s professionalism and any capital, they may have previously earned.